Short answer: the Perlisten S7c if sound quality matters most, the Perlisten R5c if price matters most. The Perlisten S7c ranks #1 of 98 center channel speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $8,795. The Perlisten R5c ranks #3, rated 4.5/5, at $2,995, $5,800 cheaper.
The Perlisten S7c is the deeper-bass option. A four-way center built on Perlisten’s DPC array: a 28mm beryllium tweeter flanked by two 28mm Textreme domes that control vertical dispersion, over four 7” Textreme woofers. Its bass reaches about 61.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 78.1Hz for the Perlisten R5c. The tradeoff: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own, which spinorama.org rates low quality, so the results have not been independently verified.
The case for the Perlisten R5c: Uses Perlisten’s DPC array of three 26mm silk domes, which narrows vertical dispersion so the ceiling and floor reflect less sound, with two 6.5” woofers in a sealed cabinet. Watch for: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own and have not been independently verified.
Buy the Perlisten S7c when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Perlisten R5c when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten S7c | Perlisten R5c | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,795 each | $2,995 each |
| Ranked | #1 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #3 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme dome DPC array, 4x 180mm (7”) Textreme woofers | 3x 26mm silk dome DPC array, 2x 165mm (6.5”) HPF woofers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 38Hz-37kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 49Hz-32kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 88.6dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.4 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 112.6dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Certification | THX Dominus | THX Dominus, THX Ultra |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | sealed |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 37.8”W x 11.8”D (240 x 960 x 300 mm) | 9.4”H x 21.7”W x 10.6”D (240 x 550 x 270 mm) |
| Weight | 73.9 lbs (33.5 kg) | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.7Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | 78.1Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 36.8Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) | about 48.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.26 | 6.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.63 | 8.49 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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- Perlisten R5c vs KEF R2 Meta
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Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Perlisten S7c: $8,795 each Audiolab eBay
Pros: A four-way center built on Perlisten’s DPC array: a 28mm beryllium tweeter flanked by two 28mm Textreme domes that control vertical dispersion, over four 7” Textreme woofers. Perlisten’s own measurements hold the listening window within 1.9dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and give the smoothest predicted in-room response of any center channel here (0.94), for a preference score of 6.26 that reaches 8.63 with an ideal subwoofer, the highest of any center. Bass reaches 61.7Hz (-3dB) and about 37Hz (-10dB), and a 92dB sensitivity with a 117dB peak rating means it keeps up with large rooms.
Cons: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own, which spinorama.org rates low quality, so the results have not been independently verified. At $8795 for one speaker it is among the most expensive center channels ranked here. It is 960mm wide and weighs 33.5kg, so it needs a large, sturdy shelf or its matching stand, and the 3.2 ohm minimum impedance calls for a capable amplifier.
Full Perlisten S7c review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 36.8Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61.7Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Certification | THX Dominus |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 37.8”W x 11.8”D (240 x 960 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme dome DPC array, 4x 180mm (7”) Textreme woofers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 38Hz-37kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.26 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.63 |
| Weight | 73.9 lbs (33.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Perlisten R5c: $2,995 each Verdant Audio eBay
Pros: Uses Perlisten’s DPC array of three 26mm silk domes, which narrows vertical dispersion so the ceiling and floor reflect less sound, with two 6.5” woofers in a sealed cabinet. Perlisten’s measurements hold the listening window within 1.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, the tightest of any center channel here, and predict a very smooth in-room response (0.89), for a preference score of 6.03 that rises to 8.49 with an ideal subwoofer. THX Dominus and Ultra certified.
Cons: The only measurements are Perlisten’s own and have not been independently verified. Bass rolls off at 78.1Hz (-3dB) and about 49Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer for movies. Its directivity index varies more across frequency than most centers here (4.14dB deviation), so reflected sound in a lively room has a slightly different tone than the direct sound. The 4 ohm load suits a capable receiver or amplifier.
Full Perlisten R5c review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.6Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78.1Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org) |
| Certification | THX Dominus, THX Ultra |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 9.4”H x 21.7”W x 10.6”D (240 x 550 x 270 mm) |
| Drivers | 3x 26mm silk dome DPC array, 2x 165mm (6.5”) HPF woofers |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB, 49Hz-32kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.4 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 112.6dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 88.6dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.49 |
| Weight | 33.1 lbs (15.0 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons